First identify the actual offer
A message saying a team wants to see the player can describe different stages. Before paying, identify the team, league, season and exact offer status. Keep the message and documents; a verbal description should not replace written terms.
Five statuses to distinguish
| Status | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Camp invitation | The player will be evaluated. Who has already reviewed them, and what selection remains? |
| Draft selection | What team rights and list status have been established? |
| Tender | Which document and league-specific provisions apply? |
| Protected / affiliate list | Where will the player compete, and who approves call-ups or moves? |
| Roster offer | What conditions remain before registration and the start of the season? |
USHL, NAHL and NCDC: different rules
USHL: the official 2026/27 tender description provides for a next-season roster place and participation in at least 55% of regular-season games. This does not guarantee minutes or a role, and does not automatically apply to a camp or draft pick. Check the operative document and exceptions.
NAHL: a tender establishes rights within NAHL; its official FAQ requires written agreement between teams for a tryout with another NAHL team. Do not apply the USHL 55% provision to NAHL.
NCDC/Premier: USPHL uses separate agreements. An NCDC agreement alone does not require Premier participation. Check whether a separate Premier document was signed and how the choice is handled after an NCDC release.
Ten questions before paying
- Which season, level and team does the offer cover?
- Who reviewed the player's full game, and what role is being considered?
- What status is confirmed now, and what remains conditional?
- How many selection stages remain, and who decides?
- What player rights arise after signing?
- Who receives payment, and which service does it purchase?
- What is the complete mandatory amount, including extra charges?
- What is refunded if the player is cut, and by when?
- What happens to payment and housing after injury, release or trade?
- Who confirms school, housing, registration and eligibility in writing?
Budget for two outcomes
Outcome A: the player stays for the season. Add programme, housing, food, school, insurance, local transport, flights and personal expenses, counting only confirmed coverage.
Outcome B: the player is cut or leaves early. Calculate non-refundable spending, the return journey and remaining school or housing obligations. Do not assume an automatic refund; locate the relevant provision.
Example: an invitation is not yet a place
Illustrative example, not an EHA client case. A family receives a main-camp invitation with a participation fee. Before deciding, establish whether only camp attendance is confirmed, what the coach knows about the player, what selection remains and which payments arise after selection. The word main does not answer those questions.
Preparing an enquiry for EHA
Send the offer wording and payment terms, birth year, position, current team and profile/video links if available. Remove passport numbers, bank details and unnecessary personal data. EHA can assess the sporting relevance and identify questions to clarify; disputed contract interpretation requires a qualified lawyer.
Sources
Checked 30 October 2026. Offer-review recommendations are EHA editorial guidance. Seasonal rules and individual documents require separate checks.
Frequently asked questions
Does paying for camp purchase a roster place?
No. Clarify the service, remaining selection and refund terms before paying.
Do all tenders offer the same guarantees?
No. Conditions depend on the league, season and document. A USHL provision cannot automatically be applied to NAHL or NCDC.
What should I send for an initial offer assessment?
The offer wording, payment terms and sporting profile. Remove unnecessary personal and bank information.
Does a US junior route fit this player?
Send the birth year, position, current team and league, role, statistics, an Elite Prospects profile if available and a recent full game. Include the education objective, family budget and questions about any offer. Tell us if full-game video is not yet available.
A free initial profile check helps identify a sporting direction and missing information. A detailed paid video analysis is a separate service with terms agreed in advance. EHA does not guarantee a roster place, scholarship or college admission.